Benelli M4: A Do-It-All Shotgun For Military & Commercial Use

by
posted on November 27, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Benelli M4

The Benelli M4 semi-automatic shotgun has served alongside the members of the United States Marine Corps since 1999. It’s thrived through water, humidity, combat in the global war against terrorism and Leatherneck abuse in deployments to some of the planet’s most inhospitable regions.

Its ability to survive when lesser shotguns fail lies in the company’s innovative Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated (A.R.G.O.) system, which is self-cleaning. Its gas port is also just forward of the chamber, where the mixture is hotter and cleaner. The dual short-stroke pistons push directly against the bolt, reducing vibration, and the lack of any linkages between the parts helps minimize weight. The company designed it for the Marine Corps in 1998, it was adopted a year later, and soon after that honor M4s were adopted as the official U.S. Joint Services combat shotgun.

It runs, regardless of conditions, which makes it one of the most popular civilian choices for home- and self-defense. When American Rifleman tested the M4, the reviewer noted, “For many of the same reasons the autoloader is favored by military worldwide, including its modularity and ability to be quickly reconfigured, the civilian-version M4 (18.5” barrel and reduced magazine capacity) is chosen today by millions as their all-around shotgun for home defense or 3-gun competition.” 

Benelli offers four commercial versions of the shotgun today. All are chambered in 12 ga., can run both 2 3/4" and 3" shotshells and come with 18.5" barrel. Stocks are black polymer and enthusiasts can choose versions with or without a pistol grip.

Magazine capacity is five shotshells and the shotgun comes with a ghost ring for sighting. The receivers also wear a Picatinny rail for mounting optics. Overall length comes in at 40" and all models tip the scales at 7.8 lbs. Length of pull is 14.37".

With a titanium Cerakote finish on the receiver and barrel, with or without the pistol grip, MSRP is $2,269. The pair of models with an anodized black receiver and phosphate black barrel come in at $1,999.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock
Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg 990 Aftershock: Not Just An “Other” Firearm

Following on the success of its shotshell-chambered, pump-action Shockwave, with its 990 Aftershock, Mossberg brings to market a similar package with a semi-automatic action that offers even more speed and convenience.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 4, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Report Highlights Declining Residental Firearm Thefts, Growing Vehicle Firearm Thefts

“The rate of guns reported stolen from motor vehicles increased by 31% over the period,” a Council of Criminal Justice report states, “while the rate of guns reported stolen during residential and commercial burglaries dropped by 40%.” 

Preview: Sling Guru EXO 13

Whether for tactical operations, stalking prey in the game fields or bugging out to a safe location, the patented EXO 13 by Sling Guru is a simple solution for keeping firearms at the ready.

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.